First Communion and First Reconciliation

2022-2023 First Reconciliation Letter

"Take and eat; this is my body, given for you." ~Luke 22:19

In his pastoral letter, Bishop Michael Barber, SJ calls Catholics "home" to the Eucharist. Together with our Bishop, the Church of Santa Maria invites and welcomes Faith Formation families to celebrate Eucharistic Liturgy in our sacred worship space!

Our K-5 Faith Formation program provides catechesis and spiritual support to the parents and children who are preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Our goal is to bring the parents and children closer to Jesus through participating at Eucharistic Liturgy, learning catechesis, and serving the community.

The Role of the Parents and Guardians

"It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed to not approach Holy Communion" (Canons 913-914).

Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Eucharist is a two-year program

Typically, students receive their First Communion in 2nd Grade, and must be enrolled in a Faith Formation program for at least one year before beginning the preparation process: Kindergarten is recommended, and 1st Grade is required.

* Contact: Sister Mary Margaret Phan | 925-254-2426 x306 | mmphan@santamariaorinda.com